Police: Man accused of raping, abducting woman related to other crime

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he Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says the man suspected of abducting and sexually assaulting a woman is connected to another crime.

IMPD says Sherman Smith, 25, is also charged with the attempted murder of Helen Lopez. Lopez was found stabbed in a burning home on August 29. Police say Lopez is still in critical condition.

Smith is also accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a woman early Friday morning. Police say Smith approached the woman as she was loading things in her car to catch her flight at the Indianapolis International Airport.

IMPD officers were able to locate the suspect’s car in a wooded area, around the same location were the alleged sexual assault took place.

Police say when they approached the vehicle, Smith shot at them. Police then returned fire. The suspect was shot in the hand.

Smith is also being charged with the attempted murder of an IMPD officer.